Ivica Zubac has proven to be a key presence on both ends of the court for Los Angeles this season. Learn more as the Croatian center headlines Friday night’s betting picks when the Clippers host the lowly Wizards.
It’s a miracle that the Washington Wizards have won nine games this season, and thEven though the Los Angeles Clippers are potentially not at full strength, they should handle business comfortably tonight.
THE NBA Odds having the Clippers as 15.5-point favorites at home, with the Wizards in the midst of a 13-game losing streak that includes giving up at least 123 points in eight of those games.
Find out where my best bets lie in our NBA picks and predictions for Wizards vs. Clippers on Friday March 1st.
Wizards vs. Clippers odds
Wizards vs. Clippers Predictions
In the current state of affairs, the Los Angeles Clippers I listed both Paul Georges (knee) and Ivica Zubac (illness) as questionable for tonight’s match against the Wizards of Washington.
That being said, it seems more likely that Zubac, who missed the Clippers’ loss to the LA Lakers on Wednesday, will wear the uniform than George. George’s knee injury has caused him to miss the last two games, and with the lowly Wizards coming to town, there’s no reason for coach Ty Lue to rush him back.
Zubac could prove to be a crucial asset in this matchup, especially since backup centers Daniel Theis And Mason Plumlée have seen limited playing time this season. Assuming Zubac plays, not only will his defense be the key to victory, but so will his offense. Not only is Washington third in the NBA in defensive rating, but it is also dead last in points allowed per game (124.4).
One of his biggest problems has been slowing down important players like Zubac, with Washington giving up the most points (26.8) and rebounds (18.3) per game to centers in the NBA. The Wizards haven’t been able to stop big players all season and have allowed the second-most points in the paint (59.4).
Although Zubac is not a dominant force down low, he ranks on average fifth in most paint touches in the NBA among players who have played at least 40 games this season (nine). He’s also efficient with those touches, shooting 67.9 percent and scoring 8.9 points in the paint per game.
Zubac is averaging a career-high 12 points and hitting 65.5 percent of his shots from the floor. He has been a constant threat and key piece for a Clippers team full of superstars. The former second-round pick also leads the Clippers in rebounding, pulling down 9.5 rebounds per game, the second-highest total of his career.
Washington is also dead last in the NBA in rebounds per game (40.8) and rebounds allowed per game (49.4). On the season, Zubac has accumulated 16 double-doubles, including three in his last four games.
My best bet: Ivica Zubac will record a double-double (+155 at bet365)
Parlay Wizards vs Clippers in the same game
Ivica Zubac will achieve a double-double
Kyle Kuzma Over 20.5 points
Marvin Bagley Under 13.5 points
Even though the Wizards have been bad this season, Kyle Kuzma enjoys a career year thanks to its use. The former Laker is averaging 22 points per game, the most of his career, while making 18.9 shots per night.
Kuzma is 10th in the NBA in usage rate among players who have played at least 40 games (29.8%), and thanks to the high number of shots he makes, he has scored at least 21 points in 35 of 57 matches. The last time Kuzma played against the Clippers, he finished with 27 points on 22 baskets.
Los Angeles allows the fourth fewest points per game to centers in the NBA (20.8), and Marvin Bagley only had 10 the last time these two played. During the season, he only topped 13.5 points 16 times in 42 games.
Learn how to bet on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NBA Bonuses for Wizards vs Clippers
All the users
Instant payout for NBA moneylines
If your team increases by 20! Claim now
New users
Bet $5 on any bet
Get $150 in bonus bets! Claim now
Eligible locations in the United States only. Also see our full list of best sports betting promotions for 2024.
21+. Gaming problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Spread Wizards vs Clippers and Over/Under analysis
Given the Wizards’ struggles this season, most books started with the Clippers as 14-15.5 point favorites. Even with the news that Paul George and Ivica Zubac are questionable for the game, the line has continued to move in Los Angeles’ favor. The Clippers are now between -15 and -15.5 almost everywhere.
Neither the Clippers nor the Wizards have been great against the spread this season. LA is 29-28 and just 1-7 in its last eight games, while Washington is 28-30-1 and 4-4 in its last eight. When these two played on January 31, the Clippers won 125-109 and covered the spread by 9.5 points.
The game total started at 240.5, with the O/U trending lower between 239 and 239.5 for most books.
The Clippers have been one of the worst Over bets in the NBA this season, going 22-33-2, and have only hit the Over three times in the last 15 games. The Wizards have been slightly better at 28-30-1 and 4-2 over the last six. In the previous match, the under 235.5 hit.
Wizards vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Wizards have only cashed the moneyline in 14 of their last 79 games (-43.15 units / -45% ROI). Find more NBA Betting Trends for Wizards vs. Clippers.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Wizards vs Clippers Game Information
Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California |
Date: | Friday March 1, 2024 |
Trick : | 10:30 p.m. ET |
TV: | Bally Sports SoCal, MNMT2 |
Latest injuries for the Wizards vs. Clippers
Stay up to date with the latest picks, odds and news! Press the to add us to your favorites on Google News so you never miss a story.